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Building an ADU in Pasadena

City code and California law · Last reviewed October 9, 2026

Pasadena allows ADUs in every zone that permits homes, on lots with an existing or proposed home. Its current rules come from Ordinance No. 7464, adopted January 26, 2026, and a clean-up, Ordinance No. 7471, adopted June 22, 2026. On a single-family lot you can have one new ADU, one converted ADU and one junior ADU. New detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq ft, or up to 800 sq ft with 4-foot front, side and rear setbacks under the "exemption" option. ADUs of 900 sq ft or less on single-family lots are exempt from the city's residential impact fees. [1][2][3][4]

Pasadena at a glance
ADUs allowedYes, in all zones that allow single-family or multifamily homes, with an existing or proposed home on the lot [1]
Number on a single-family lot1 new ADU + 1 converted ADU + 1 JADU [1]
Detached ADU max size1,200 sq ft; 800 sq ft for an "exemption" ADU with 4-ft front, side and rear setbacks; in hillside districts 1,000 sq ft, or 800 sq ft on streets 26 ft wide or less [1][2]
Attached ADU max size800 sq ft as an exemption ADU; otherwise 850 sq ft (studio or 1 bedroom) or 1,000 sq ft (more than 1 bedroom) [1]
Junior ADUUp to 500 sq ft inside the house or an attached garage [1]
Height (detached)Single-family lots: 18 ft and 2 stories; 16 ft in hillside districts, in historic districts where visible from the street, or for exemption ADUs in the front yard. Multifamily lots: 16 ft. The 16-ft limits rise to 18 ft near major transit or on sites with multistory buildings [1][2]
Side and rear setbacks4 ft for new construction; none (except fire safety) to convert or rebuild in place [1]
Front setback4 ft for exemption ADUs (800 sq ft or less); the zone's front setback for new ADUs over 800 sq ft [2]
ParkingNone for exemption ADUs or on multifamily sites; otherwise 1 space unless an exemption applies (e.g., within 1/2 mile walk of transit) [1]
Owner occupancyNot for ADUs; for a JADU only if it shares a bathroom [1][5]
Impact feesNo city residential impact fee on ADUs of 900 sq ft or less on single-family sites [4]
Approval deadlineCompleteness notice within 15 business days; decision within 60 days of a complete application [5]
Short-term rentalNo; rentals must be longer than 30 days [1]
Selling an ADU separatelyNo, unless built by a qualified nonprofit [1]
On this page
  1. At a glance
  2. What you can build in Pasadena
  3. How the 2026 rules answer the state's review
  4. Size, height and setbacks
  5. Parking
  6. Fees
  7. How long it takes
  8. Garage conversions and junior ADUs
  9. Renting it out
  10. Local programs and standard plans
  11. Permit steps
  12. Pre-approved plans
  13. Who to call
  14. Questions people ask

What you can build in Pasadena

ADUs are allowed in all zones that permit single-family or multifamily homes, on sites with at least one existing or proposed home. Pasadena's ADU rules are in Municipal Code section 17.50.275, rewritten by Ordinance No. 7464. The City Council adopted it on January 26, 2026; it was published March 19, 2026 and took effect 30 days later. On June 22, 2026 the Council adopted Ordinance No. 7471, a clean-up that adds a 4-foot front setback for exemption ADUs, separates the height rules for single-family and multifamily lots, and moves the second-story window rule from junior ADUs to non-exemption ADUs. It takes effect 30 days after it is published. Both ordinances say that where they conflict with state law, state law prevails. The city's ADU web page still points to the earlier Ordinance No. 7420 (2024), so confirm current standards with Planning at ZoningQuestions@cityofpasadena.net.

On a single-family lot you can have one new attached or detached ADU, one ADU converted from existing space, and one junior ADU (JADU).

Pasadena sorts ADUs into two kinds:

On multifamily lots you can convert non-living space (storage rooms, garages, basements and similar) into at least one ADU and up to 25% of the existing units. You can also build up to eight detached ADUs on a lot with an existing apartment building (no more than the number of existing units), or two on a lot with a proposed one. [1][2][3][4][5]

How the 2026 rules answer the state's review

In February 2025, California's housing department (HCD) told Pasadena that its previous ADU ordinance (No. 7420, 2024) did not comply with state ADU law. Among other points, HCD said the city must allow a converted ADU, a new detached ADU and a JADU on the same single-family lot; allow up to eight detached ADUs on a lot with an existing apartment building; not let front setbacks block an 800 sq ft ADU with 4-foot side and rear setbacks; and not require parking for exemption ADUs.

Ordinance No. 7464 now provides for each of these: three units on a single-family lot, up to eight detached ADUs on existing multifamily lots, front setbacks only for new ADUs over 800 sq ft, and no parking for exemption ADUs. See our California page for the state rules. [1][6][7]

Size, height and setbacks

Size. Every ADU must be at least 150 sq ft.

Hillside areas. In Hillside Overlay Districts (except HD-1) served by streets up to 26 feet wide, new attached or detached ADUs are limited to 800 sq ft. Elsewhere in the hillside districts a new detached ADU can be up to 1,000 sq ft.

Height. A new detached ADU can be 18 feet and two stories. It is limited to 16 feet if it is in a hillside district, in a historic district and visible from the street, or an exemption ADU in the front yard; those rise to 18 feet on a site with multistory buildings or near major transit. Within a half-mile walk of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor you can add 2 feet to match the house's roof pitch. An attached ADU can be 25 feet, or the zone's limit if lower, and up to two stories. On a multifamily lot, a new detached ADU can be 16 feet, or 18 feet if the apartment building is multistory or the lot is within a half-mile walk of major transit (plus 2 feet there to match the roof pitch).

Setbacks. New construction needs 4 feet at the side and rear. New ADUs over 800 sq ft must meet the zone's front setback. Since Ordinance No. 7471, an exemption ADU (800 sq ft or less) needs at least 4 feet from the front lot line too. California's housing department (HCD) says these state-protected ADUs do not have to meet front setbacks, and state law prevails in a conflict, so confirm the front setback with Planning. Converting an existing building, or rebuilding it in the same place and size, needs no setback except for fire safety. A new non-exemption ADU must be 6 feet (eave to eave) from other buildings.

Second-story windows. On a non-exemption ADU, new second-story windows are not allowed along the interior side and rear lot lines when the ADU is less than 5 feet from that line, unless the building code requires them for exit. Required windows must be clerestory (high) windows. Windows facing an alley at least 20 feet wide may be allowed.

Historic properties. Non-exemption ADUs in landmark or historic districts, or on designated historic properties, can't be visible from the street unless that would prevent the unit. Questions go to DHPQuestions@cityofpasadena.net. [1][2][5][8]

Parking

On a single-family site, the ordinance requires one parking space for an ADU. It can be covered, uncovered, or tandem on the existing driveway. No parking is required for ADUs on multifamily sites. On a single-family site, no space is required if:

If you convert or tear down a garage, carport or parking space to build the ADU, you don't have to replace it. The ADU must share the house's driveway; a second driveway is allowed only from an alley, when replacement parking is required. The city's ADU web page still shows the older rule of one space per unit or per bedroom, whichever is less, so confirm with Planning. [1][4]

Fees

Pasadena cut ADU fees in 2025 for single-family sites (sites with two or more attached units don't qualify, and the cuts aren't retroactive):

Without a Housing Agreement or standard plan, ADUs over 900 sq ft pay a Residential Impact Fee in proportion to the main home's size, calculated by Public Works; ask at pw-permits@cityofpasadena.net. Under state law, ADUs and JADUs under 500 sq ft of interior livable space are not subject to school impact fees.

Housing Agreements are optional. In an ADU Landlord Agreement you commit the ADU for at least seven years to a family member or a tenant in the city's rental assistance program. In an ADU Affordability Covenant you rent it for at least seven years to a household earning no more than 120% of area median income. The agreement must be signed before the permit is issued, or standard fees apply. Questions: (626) 744-8321.

Property taxes. An ADU will raise your property taxes, which the Los Angeles County Assessor sets, not the city ((626) 258-6001). For typical costs see our ADU cost guide. [4][5][8]

How long it takes

ADU permits in Pasadena are ministerial (no hearing). Under state law, the city must tell you within 15 business days whether your application is complete, and approve or deny a complete application within 60 days when there is an existing home on the lot.

Before you apply, you can book a virtual consultation with a planner for preliminary zoning feedback. You can apply and submit plans online through Pasadena's permit portal. ADUs must also meet fire department access and water supply requirements. See our ADU permit process guide. [1][4][5]

Garage conversions and junior ADUs

Garage conversions. Converting a garage or other existing space into an ADU makes it an exemption ADU with no size limit. You may add up to 150 sq ft only for entry and exit. Setbacks only need to be enough for fire safety, and you don't have to replace the garage's parking. An attached conversion ADU needs its own exterior access, separate from the house. See our garage conversion guide.

Junior ADUs. A JADU is up to 500 sq ft inside the existing or proposed house, including an attached garage. It needs a separate entrance, an efficiency kitchen (cooking appliances, prep counter and storage) and either its own bathroom or an inside entry to a shared one.

The owner must live in the house or the JADU only if the JADU shares a bathroom (unless the owner is a government agency, land trust or housing organization), which matches state law in effect since January 1, 2026. If the JADU shares a bathroom, you must record a city-approved covenant before the permit is issued. A JADU can't be rented for 30 days or less. See our junior ADU guide. [1][5]

Renting it out

Any ADU or JADU created on or after January 1, 2017 must be rented for terms longer than 30 days, so short-term rentals are not allowed. You can't sell an ADU separately from the house unless it was built by a qualified nonprofit. State law bars the city from requiring you to live on a property with an ADU. [1][5]

Local programs and standard plans

Free standard plan. Pasadena's earlier ADU Standard Plans expired December 31, 2025 because of building code updates. A new plan that meets the 2025 code, Prototype A (a 374 sq ft studio), is free and can be used on most single-family properties citywide. The other plans are now limited to properties red-tagged after the Eaton Fire. Standard plans must be used without changes; a modified plan loses its pre-reviewed status and needs a full plan review with standard fees. You must also complete the city's Hold Harmless Agreement. More plans will be posted as they are approved. See the ADU Standard Plans page.

Second Unit ADU Program. The city's Second Unit ADU Program offers a construction loan of up to $250,000 at 1% simple interest, with no payments for three years, if you rent the ADU to a Pasadena Housing Choice Voucher tenant. The city says applications are open and reviewed on a rolling basis. For other options see our ADU financing guide. [9][10]

Permit steps in Pasadena

  1. Get early zoning feedback

    Book a virtual consultation with a planner, or email ZoningQuestions@cityofpasadena.net. [4][8]

  2. Choose a design

    Hire a designer or use the city's free standard plan, which must be used without changes and requires a Hold Harmless Agreement. [9]

  3. Decide on a Housing Agreement

    If you want the larger fee waivers, sign an ADU Landlord Agreement or Affordability Covenant before the permit is issued. [4]

  4. Apply online

    Submit your application and plans through Pasadena's permit portal, and complete an address application for the ADU. [4][9]

  5. Pay plan review fees and respond to corrections

    Pay plan review and address fees so review can start. The city must confirm your application is complete within 15 business days and decide within 60 days of a complete application. [5][9]

  6. Get your permit and schedule inspections

    After approval, pay permit fees and schedule inspections through Permit Center Online. For permit or inspection questions, call (626) 744-4200. [8]

Pre-approved and sample plans

Who to call

Questions people ask

How big can an ADU be in Pasadena?

A new detached ADU can be up to 1,200 sq ft (1,000 sq ft in hillside districts, or 800 sq ft there on streets 26 feet wide or less), or up to 800 sq ft as an exemption ADU with 4-foot front, side and rear setbacks. A new attached ADU over 800 sq ft can be 850 sq ft with up to one bedroom, or 1,000 sq ft with more. Conversions of existing space have no size limit, and a JADU is up to 500 sq ft. [1][2]

Are ADU fees waived in Pasadena?

Partly. On single-family sites, ADUs of 900 sq ft or less pay no Residential Impact Fee and get 25% off several permit taxes and fees. ADUs with a seven-year Housing Agreement, or built from a city standard plan, get 50% off plan check and skip those fees entirely. [4]

Does Pasadena have free ADU plans?

Yes. A free 374 sq ft studio plan (Prototype A) updated to the 2025 building code can be used on most single-family properties. Older standard plans expired at the end of 2025 except for properties red-tagged after the Eaton Fire. [9]

Can I rent my Pasadena ADU on Airbnb?

No. Pasadena requires rentals of ADUs and JADUs created since 2017 to be longer than 30 days. [1]

Do I need parking for an ADU in Pasadena?

Often not. Exemption ADUs and ADUs on multifamily sites need none. Other ADUs on single-family sites need one space unless the site is within a half-mile walk of transit, the ADU is inside the existing or proposed house or another building, the property is in a historic district, or car share is within a block. [1]

Sources (10)
  1. Ordinance No. 7464: Amending Title 17 (Zoning Code), including Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations (PMC 17.50.275), City of Pasadena (Municode Library). Accessed October 9, 2026.
  2. Ordinance No. 7471: Amending Title 3 and Title 17 (Zoning), including Accessory Dwelling Units (PMC 17.50.275), Exhibit 4 (City Council agenda copy for second reading, June 22, 2026), City of Pasadena. Accessed October 9, 2026.
  3. City Council Minutes, June 22, 2026 (adoption of Ordinance No. 7471), City of Pasadena. Accessed October 9, 2026.
  4. Accessory Dwelling Units, City of Pasadena Planning & Community Development Department. Accessed October 9, 2026.
  5. Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook (March 2026), California Department of Housing and Community Development. Accessed October 9, 2026.
  6. Review of Pasadena's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance under State ADU Law, California Department of Housing and Community Development. Accessed October 9, 2026.
  7. Ordinance No. 7420: Amending Title 17 (Zoning Code) Regulating Accessory Dwelling Units (PMC 17.50.275), City of Pasadena. Accessed October 9, 2026.
  8. Permit Center, City of Pasadena Planning & Community Development Department. Accessed October 9, 2026.
  9. ADU Standard Plans Program, City of Pasadena Planning & Community Development Department. Accessed October 9, 2026.
  10. Second Unit ADU Program, City of Pasadena Housing Department. Accessed October 9, 2026.

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